Person of interest sought in attack on woman along Orange County trail

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying a person of interest in an attempted rape case along a trail on the east side of the county.

Deputies say a man attacked a woman from behind while she was running on the Little Econ Greenway Trail near Yates Road, a little before 9 a.m. on Friday, July 25.

Deputies say the man tried to rape the woman.

[VIDEO BELOW: Person of interest sought]

The area was canvassed for evidence, and video showed the person of interest moments before the attack.

Deputies are looking for any information that can identify the man. If you have anything, you’re asked to call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous, or the OCSO non-emergency line at 407-836-4357.

In the meantime, deputies are urging people to be vigilant if out running or walking, and avoid where noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds.

Runners we talked to on the trail on Tuesday had some other suggestions.

“Protect yourself with any kind of running flare,” said Amy. “I mean, you just want to put anything bright, whatever can cause a scene.”

Runners also said, if you really want to wear headphones, always keep at least one ear open.

Amy had one more piece of advice.

“I would’ve told her never run on that side alone,” Amy said “We have a thing where we don’t go running alone, we run in areas that we’re familiar with.”